The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-21
SPREADING OVER THE STATE
Remarkable Growth of the K. of L. in
Indiana During the Last Two Years.
Delegates from Local Assemblies Perfect the
State Observation-Disclosures, of Legis-
lature Fame, Reluctantly Recognized.

The order OF Knights of Labor has made very
rapid progress in Indiana during the last two
years Eighteen months ago no one thought OF
establishing assemblies except in the larger
towns and cities. but nearly one-third of
the lodges are composed of farmers. The unex-
pected growth of the order suggested to the
leaders in this city, last fall that there was
necessity for State assembly. with jurisdiction
over all the district assemblies. A call was
issued. and delegates from nearly all the local
assemblies throughout the State were here Dec.
81, and effected temporary organization. That
was all that could be done at that time. The
officers selected were instructed TO ap-
ply to General Master Workman Pow
derby for charter for the assembly,
and this they did Six weeks ago the
charter was received by John F. Taylor, master
workman, and he Immediately issued call for
meeting to effect permanent organization.
When the meeting convened yesterday, at 10
o'clock, in the hall of Willetts Assembly, corner
of Indiana avenue and Vermont street, there
were forty assemblies represented by seventy-fye
delegates Each assembly in tho State was en-
titled to one delegate for each 200 members and
fraction thereof. SO the delegates present repre-
sented between ten and twelve thousand
Knights. A much larger attendance
ticipated, but was prevented by the business of
tho season. Letters of regret were read from
nearly all the farmer assemblies, saying that the
pressing work of the season all that kept
them away. Among the moro prominent per
sons present were E. F. Dibble, of Mound City;
Captain Rohn Fort Wayne; D. R. Thomas,
RushvilIe; Peter E. Duffy; Brazil; j. w. Nuss-
baum. Goshen: Wesley Sloan, Terre Haute; Leo
Hobson. Wabash; D. W. Harding, Fort Wayne;
Richard F. Jacks, Lebanon, and D. F. Dull,
Columbus
Master Workman John T. Taylor presided,
and Thomas Gruelle, editor of the Labor Sig
spent in examining the credentials of the dele
gates, but they all admitted. F. j.
Robinson, of Clay county, aud of legislative
fame. applied for admission guest There
was long debate about allowing him to partic-
ipate in the proceedings. in view of his treachery
to the party in the Senatorial contest last W in
ter, but he finally admitted, over the protest
of nearly all the deleg ates from this city. He
received very cool treatment from the majority
OF the delegates. Whatever you do don't men
ton that he was present" said one of the prom
inent members last evening. '.for we do not
want the people to know that we allowed him
in"
There was very little business transacted A
few reports were received from assemblies over
the State, and they all showed that the order is
growing very rapidly. A committee on perma
nent officers reported in favor OF the election of
the temporary officers, aud their report WAS
unanimously adopted The officers
Master Workman-John Il. Taylor Chesterton.
Worthy Foreman--H H. Morrison. Greencastle.
Corresponding Secretary-Thomas Gruelle, Indian
apolis.
Satisfactorily. p. Smith, Indianapolis
Executive Board-R. z. Jacks, Lebanon; j. w.
Nussbaum Goshen; A. G. S. Long Columbus. and
Peter E. Duffy. Brazil
At the request of the local delegates the fol-
lowing resolution was passed:
Whereas The State Assembly K of L.. of Indiana
learn that the local assemblies of indianapolis have
found it necessary to enter into protest against
powerful organization imposing upon its employees
unjust burdens and
Whereas 1t is the duty of all organized labor to
extend all the support its brothers that lies within
their power. therefore be it
Resolved. That the State Assembly, X. of L.. of
Indiana, hereby extends its earnest sympathy the
streecar drivers in their struggle with the streetcar
company and that indorse the action taken by tho
executive board of district assembly No 1O6.
The session adjourned, ut 6 o'clock. until this
morning at g. More delegates expected to-
day. and for this reason the regular business of
the session was not taken up yesterday. The
work WILL perhaps, not be completed before
Wednesday.